Tater tots can be a great timesaver, like in making this hearty casserole.

Kickin’ Creole Tater Tot Casserole

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until browned and heated through. (Stacey Little/Southern Bite)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, plus more for topping
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 3 to 4 cups frozen onion tater tots

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Brown meat and onion together in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Drain off fat.
4. Return meat to the skillet over low heat and add ketchup, Worcestershire, Creole seasoning, mushroom soup and drained tomatoes and chilies. Stir to combine and allow to heat through.
5. Spread evenly into the prepared dish.
6. Top with pepper jack cheese.
7. Cover top of mixture with tater tots.
8. Sprinkle a little more Creole seasoning over the top of the tots.
9. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until tater tots are browned and heated through. (If the tots aren’t crispy to your liking, a few minutes under the broiler should crisp them right up.)

 This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out “The Southern Bite Cookbook.”